American Foxhound Complete Profile

Key Facts:

Size: Large
Height: 53 - 64 cm (21 - 25 inches)
Weight: 30 - 34 kg (65 - 75 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Minimal
Exercise: Demanding
Feeding: Demanding
Temperament: Active & eager
Country of Origin: United States
AKC Group: Hound

Temperament:
The American Foxhound is affectionate, eager, active, energetic and brave. American Foxhounds generally get along well with children and other dogs but are likely to chase any non-canine pets with their natural hunting instincts. American Foxhounds vary widely with how they treat strangers, some are overly protective while others happily greet all visitors. It is important to remember that this breed is a natural pack-hunting hound and is not always an ideal family companion. American Foxhounds tend to be difficult to house train and are most suited for active families or those who enjoy hunting.

Grooming:
Grooming is simple and easy with this short-coated breed. American Foxhounds are average shedders and should be brushed and combed occasionally to keep the coat in good condition.

Exercise:
The American Foxhound needs a substantial amount of daily exercise. If this breeds exercise needs are not met then they can become restless and destructive. American Foxhounds should be kept on a lead when out walking as they are likely to run off if they pick up an interesting scent. They tend to be reasonably active indoors and are not suited for urban living. Ideally American Foxhounds would have the opportunity to hunt or track with their owner.

History:
The Foxhound evolved from English hounds that were brought to America in 1650. The cross-breeding of the English and French Hounds helped produce today's lean and fast American Foxhound. These dogs have an excellent nose and worked as efficient and untiring hunters of wild animals. The American Foxhound is still primarily a hunting and field trial dog (in packs and alone), though they have had some success as a companion dog. Its talents are hunting, tracking, watchdogging and agility.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Alert, agile and lean.
Colour: All colours are accepted.
Coat: Close, hard and of medium length.
Tail: Set moderately high and is carried gaily with a slight curve (should not be forward over the back).
Ears: Set low, hanging close to the cheek and fairly broad at the base with rounded tips.
Body: The back is moderately long and muscular and the broad loins are slightly arched. The chest is deep and narrow and the well sprung ribs extend well back. The shoulders are muscular and sloping.

Additional Comments:

The American Foxhound is taller and lighter boned than the English Foxhound.
The American Foxhound was not bred to be a family companion, but if they are well socialized during puppyhood they can adapt to family life.

Related Information of Interest:

Puppy Training
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them "good potty" and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

What if my puppy has an accident?
He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with petzorb which will remove the odor completely.
Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of you.

If your puppy is going frequently in the house you are probably not supervising them enough. Watch and learn their cues. If you feel you are watching and your puppy isn't getting it you can always have them checked for a Urinary tract infection.

If your puppy piddles when you greet them, this could be submissive urination. This would be a problem that is usually cured by ignoring the behavior and letting your puppy calm down before touching them when you first see them.

This article not only applies to puppies, but it is how you should train a dog of any age. If you can't supervise your dog, please put them in a crate to help curb accidents. Remember, dogs go where they go most!

This can be a trying time, so have patience and you will get through it.

About the Author

Amy Dunphy, CPDT is the owner and operator of the www.dogtrainersearch.comDog Trainer Search

6 Simple Tips To Help Potty Train Your Puppy
Potty training also known as toilet or house training is the art of teaching your puppy where you want him to relieve himself. Sound simple! Not exactly, at least to me and many dog owners out there. Potty training my puppy gives me the most problems and headaches when I start to house train my first puppy years ago.

It seems that my puppy is always either in the wrong place at the right time, or the right place at the wrong time! Nevertheless, over the years, after much experiments and reading up, I’ve manage to come out with 6 simple tips to help potty train your dog.

1. Try to feed your puppy on a regular schedule and remove his water supply before bed time. His potty timing would be more predictable and consistent.

2. Puppy usually instinctively wants to relieve itself after feeding, sleeping, playing and confinement. Bring him to your designated area for his potty business after such activities.

3. Do not let your puppy wander off without supervision, potty training aside, it is dangerous for a young puppy to wander around by itself. Confined it in an area where you can see to prevent accidents and reward desired behaviors.

4. Be vigilance and always be on the look out. When you see your puppy sniffing and running around in circles, bring him to your designated spot immediately.

5. Give a command to help your dog associate the potty action with. For example, “Do it now” or “Go Potty”.

6. When he is doing his potty business, praise and reward. Praise and reward again after he’s finished.

Following these tips should help you considerably in potty training your puppy.

About the Author

Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com – The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Boxer's and Heartworms
It is surprising how many people are still confused about heartworms and the effects that a heartworm can have on
your Boxer.

First lets look at what heartworms are and how your dog can become infected.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes into the dog’s blood stream. The immature heartworms called microfilaria
travel through the blood stream.

The microfilaria settle into the heart chambers and major pulmonary blood vessels. This causes a blockage of the
blood flow and pathological changes to the surrounding tissues.

This blockage happens when the larvae grow into adult worms. An adult female heartworm can grow up to fourteen
inches and can live as long as five years.

A female heartworm can produce thousands of microfilariae, which is transmitted into a mosquito when it bites an
infected dog, and subsequently injected into the next dog that that mosquito dines on.

What Are The Signs That A Dog May Have Heartworms?

Usually the first system is weight loss. The dogs’ hair may become dull and brittle.

The infected dog also may tier easily.

A persistent coughs and or labored breathing.

In more progressed cases victims may vomit blood from ruptured lungs.

If the disease is not prevented or caught in time the result will be a slow painful death from congestive heart
failure.

What Do I Do If My Boxer Is Infected?

Treatment is available but it can cost hundreds of dollars, and may be ineffective depending on the degree of
infestation.

The best defense against heartworms is routine checkups with your vet. Giving your dog heartworm medication once
a month easily prevents heartworms.

Warning: You Must Have Your Dog Tested For Heartworms Before Starting Heartworm Medication!

About the Author

je Dunn has published several books on dogs and has free information all about dog training, health, and care at: www.boxerdogs-1.com/Boxer_Dogs.html Boxer Health Tips